A module primarily refers to a unit in computer programming that is set aside from the main block of code. It is made available to more than one section of the overall program. A type of function, this could be something that needs to be called often. That leaves the programmer with two options – repeating the same few lines of code multiple times, every time it is needed, or sectioning it off into a module and allowing the rest of the code to call it as needed.
Technipages Explains Module
This can be done for all sorts of functions – calculations, sorting functions, even random number generators and the like. Any sort of complex project will usually have several different modules, though it is possible to get by without setting them up as separate blocks of text. Let’s say a program needs to alphabetically sort content five times during its overall runtime.
Instead of including the same lines of code five times, a smart programmer would create a module with the relevant instructions in it in the form of a function, while any necessary info – such as the things that need to be sorted – are fed to the module as they are needed and available. It works a lot like online calculators do – instead of a user entering the info, the program does it, and the results are fed back to the program as well, to be processed in whatever way is needed.
Another definition for module is that of an integrated program – a program within another program that is devoted to one topic, such as spell-check in word processing software.
Common Uses of Module
- Modules can significantly decrease the length and complexity of code, which is absolutely essential in longer projects.
- Modules that provide additional functions like spell-checking in word processing software or calculations in Excel offer additional functionality without weighing down the overall program.
- The usage of modules to lighten the workload of programs isn’t possible in all programming languages – some support similar if not identical functions, and some low-level languages don’t support modular coding at all.
Common Misuses of Module
- Modules are segments of programmes that can be switched on or off at the user’s desire.
